Page 269 of Conveniently Wed
She stilled her racing emotions. “I did too.” And without looking at him, she slipped into her room. She leaned against the door and listened to him pad to his room and close the door.
What must he think of her? Did he see her as too bold? Or too weak?
Thank you for keeping him safe. She added the words to her usual bedtime prayer.
She worried her racing thoughts would keep her awake but instead, a peacefulness filled her, and she smiled into the darkness. Life was good.
For now.The words came to her in the little-girl voice of her past.
In her grown-up voice, she replied,He isn’t my father. He’s different.
Time will tell,the little girl said, with a weariness that spoke of years of being forced to move on just when she’d made new friends and had almost begun to think she could keep them.
Yes, time would tell. And she was willing to allow whatever time was needed.
Having reassured herself, she fell asleep and dreamed of a sunset that filled the sky from horizon to horizon. She laughed with abandon and joy. Someone held her hand. She couldn’t see who it was because every time she turned to look at him, the sun was in her eyes. But she didn’t care. She was enjoying herself far too much.
Her dream was shattered by a loud crash, and she leapt from her bed, trying to orient herself to the sound. Trying to determine if the sound was in her dream or real. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. It was real. But what was it?
12
Aloud noise wakened Bruce, and he was instantly on his feet. He pulled on his pants and rushed from his room. Moonlight slanted through the windows, revealing nothing to cause such a noise.
Stella burst from her room, wrapped in a pale robe that fluttered at her ankles. “What was that?”
“I don’t know.” He lit a lamp, and they looked around. “I don’t see anything amiss here. I’ll look outside.”
She caught his arm. “Be careful.”
The concern in her eyes warmed him, and he hesitated. They both looked toward the door. Would someone burst through it? Did an animal circle the house? At least they were safe and sound inside. To be certain, he closed the kitchen window to keep intruders out.
Muffled sounds came from Aunt Mary’s room. She called out.
“She’s heard it too,” Stella said.
Bruce held the lamp up as he opened Aunt Mary’s door and let Stella precede him.
The little table that normally stood at the bedside was turned over. Aunt Mary reached upward into the air, making motions as if she were sewing something. She glanced toward the light.“I can’t find my…” She plucked at the covers. “It’s gone. I must find it.” She pushed the blanket down and tried to sit, bringing a moan to her lips.
Stella sat on her bed. “Aunt Mary, wake up. You’re dreaming.” She patted Aunt Mary’s cheeks.
But Bruce’s aunt slapped at Stella’s hands. “Stop that.”
Bruce righted the table and put the lamp down then took his aunt’s hands. “Aunt Mary, wake up.”
“I’m awake. Can’t you see that? Help me get up. I have to find my book.”
He pressed her shoulders to the bed, keeping her there against her struggles. He looked at Stella, just inches away, her face drawn into worry lines. “What’s wrong with her?”
“I think she’s delirious. I hope she hasn’t developed an infection.” Stella pressed her hand to Aunt Mary’s forehead. “She’s a little warm. Maybe if I sponge her …” She eased past Bruce and left the room.
Bruce took her place on the side of the bed, gently holding his aunt as she tried to get up. “Aunt Mary, you have a broken leg. You need to rest.”
“Pshaw. What foolishness. There’s nothing wrong with me. I have to get ready for the ladies’ meeting.” She tried to push his hands away.
Stella returned and knelt at the bedside to sponge his aunt’s face. But Aunt Mary batted at her.
“Leave me alone. Let me up.” She looked toward the ceiling. “There it is.” She reached for something that existed only in her mind. Unable to reach it, she scowled at Bruce. “Why aren’t you helping me? What use are you?”
